Had a couple of lights off moments whilst cycling thro the settings to get to low power (battery testing) for the climbs. It really was pitch black tonight. No moon and way up in the woods. Really enjoyed it tho.

Whatever you do dont decide to hit that jump you always do in daylight. Waking up freezing with pine needles in your mouth and realising your shoulder is no longer in the same place is not something i would recommend

I never quite get this scared of the dark thing. When you ride the route during the day, do you ever see anything scary, or likely to eat you? If the answer is no, then I can assure you nothing will all of a sudden start inhabiting the side of the trail just 'cos it got dark. Years of nightshifts and lamping has taught me that the nights are more peaceful, the vast majority of dickheads are at home, or if they aren't haven't go the first clue how to move about at night without giving themselves away, so you can go about your business or hobby in tranquil seclusion. Rural darkness is even better, with all sorts of stuff to see that you won't see in the day. None of it wants to eat you either!

I used to ride up in the mountains solo at night, but eventually reached a point where I stopped as the wisdom of age made me realize how easy it would be to get really hurt in areas with no cell phone service for miles. Mrs busydog, of course, considered it sheer lunacy.

Regularly saw lots of wildlife---deer, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, skunks, badgers, etc--and a couple of times a bear and the occasional bobcat----but in my mind's eye, I was sure they were all just off the trail, waiting for dinner.

It definitely can get spooky and your imagination tends to work overtime.

I used to do six miles+ every night to get home from hanging out with my mates.. Often navigating the trail from memory in pitch black as lights were pointlessly crap..

In 1984 when I was 10 (beating Molgrips by ten years at least) getting shot by folks out lamping for bunnies was my only concern until I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street..

I'm not too keen on remote technical trails on my own, and the ancient feel of Dartmoor gives me the creeps a bit, I find night riding in general much easier if I start the ride in daylight..
Had a proper sphincter clenching full moon ride around Longleat Forest last week, I don't know how the locals keep their heads..

had a brown trouser moment on the new blue near afan bike park on sunday. big beast bounded across the trail just in front of me. huge sandy coloured tail was all I really saw as it bounded of into the woods. captain fear kept whispering in my ear, what the hell has a two foot long sandy coloured tail (apart from a lion etc) It was certainly the fastest I've got down 'zigzags' in the dark! On reflection, the 'beast of afan' must be the reason I have never met another rider in five night rides at afan. At cwmcarn there are lights everywhere.

I'd love to solo night ride but I just don't think I'd be quick enough to 'get out of danger' if need be. Someone could just push me off my bike & they would have it no problem! That's what worries me, not vampires or gribbley things!....!!!...

My lad and I got our timing wrong last time we went to Gisburn. We rode Hully Gully just as it was getting dark, it was quite atmospheric, but as we got to the next red bit through the trees it was proper dark, and we had no lights. We pressed on but after falling off a couple of times each on unseen obstacles we had to admit defeat and push whenever we were under trees. You'll be pleased to hear that the kitty litter surface can be seen under moonlight. By the time we reached the back of the hub we had no idea where the car park was, let alone the car. There are quite a few owls at Gisburn, all very vocal!